Javi Martinez, ex-Athletic Bilbao midfielder, has picked Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Martinez, a former Bayern Munich star, also labelled the Spain winger as the best footballer in the world currently.
He believes the 18-year-old deserves the prestigious individual award ahead of Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele.
Martinez said via BarcaTimes on X:
“Balon d’Or? Sorry Paris Saint-Germain, for me, Lamine Yamal was the best last season.
“He’s also not just the best in Spain, but the whole world.”
Yamal is among the favourites for the award after an impressive display for Barcelona last season.